Thank you, Mr. Chair and honourable members.
In the mid-1980s, I was living in Nicaragua. Abortion was illegal, and I was often told that it was not an issue, as Nicaraguans loved children, yet a much-needed public debate erupted when researchers went to the local papers with the news that, on average, at least 10 women were admitted to hospital every day with health complications from botched abortions. This was clear evidence all those years ago that restrictions do not stop abortions from happening but instead increase unsafe abortions.
I'm grateful to the committee for the opportunity to appear today. I represent the Equality Fund, a Canadian-based women's fund that supports women's rights organizations and feminist funds in the global south and east. At present, Equality Fund resources are flowing to over 300 women's rights organizations and LGBTQI groups in about 85 countries.
In my brief time I will comment on global trends, provide examples of how activists work on SRHR issues—sexual and reproductive health and rights issues—and end with a short note on Canada's role.
I will not repeat the important data witnesses have shared, but I will highlight that while there have been important gains, primarily in Latin America, overall there are grave concerns regarding attempts to roll back progress. We are seeing well-funded and organized attacks on advocates and coordinated efforts to limit and restrict comprehensive sexuality education and abortion rights. This is often referred to as the “anti-gender” movement, and it is intimately linked to efforts to restrict LGBTQI rights and generally roll back advances on women's rights.
Women's rights organizations are attempting to hold the line in the face of these attacks. Here are examples drawn from the list of organizations the Equality Fund has the privilege to support.
First, women's rights organizations actually deliver SRHR services free or at a reduced cost. The Marsa Sexual Health Centre in Lebanon provides confidential and anonymous services, including testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Services are provided in a friendly environment free of stigma and discrimination. A Cameroonian organization provides psychosocial support, vocational training and temporary housing to girls fleeing early and forced marriage.
Second, organizations advocate promotion and protection of the sexual and reproductive rights of women and young people. This involves dialogue with both local and national authorities. For example, the Sarajevo Open Centre publishes regular reports on the state of human rights of women in Bosnia and Herzegovina that include extensive discussion and evidence on SRHR issues.
Third, women's rights organizations work to counter misinformation. In Asia, an organization operates a hotline to ensure that people have accurate information and advice. Others are working in innovative ways in digital spaces to get clear and understandable information to those seeking it.
Fourth, women's rights activists work at the community level and engage in discussions on social attitudes and practices. The Balance group in Mexico has produced a graphic novel. In Nepal, Hamro Palo works with schoolgirls in remote areas to reverse persistent taboos around menstruation.
This brings me to Canada's role.
Canada's unwavering support for sexual and reproductive rights is an integral part of supporting the rights of women, girls and gender-diverse people. It is important that Canada speak out clearly and consistently in global forums and bilateral discussions and as we formulate and implement all elements of our foreign policy. Leadership and joining with allies are essential.
In conclusion, these are our recommendations:
First, continue and expand support to women's rights organizations. Despite the essential role these organizations play, they are dramatically underfunded. According to the latest OECD DAC figures, overall development-assisted funding to women's rights organizations has actually decreased.
Second, release the long-promised feminist foreign policy. SRHR is core to gender justice. A clear document that outlines Canada's coherent, rights-based approach to feminist foreign policy will ensure that our diplomats and aid workers have clear guidelines for their work.
Third, ensure that SRHR is a core programming area in Canada's responses to crises. The government is currently developing Canada's third national action plan on women, peace and security and updating the gender-responsive humanitarian assistance policy. Resources for SRHR, especially the neglected areas, should be key elements in these two plans.
Fourth, make clear and consistent progress on SRHR funding commitments, especially in funding for the neglected areas outlined by previous witnesses, and ensure clear and regular public reporting on spending and impacts.
Fifth, and finally, continue to be a strong global advocate on SRHR in particular and the rights of women, girls and LGBTQI people in general. As United Nations Secretary-General Guterres said last year, “We are seeing a pushback on women’s rights; we must push back on the pushback.” In this push-back against the push-back, Canada’s leadership and investments are essential.
Thank you. I look forward to your questions.
